Local W.Va. churches, funeral homes take pandemic precautions

From West Virginia-

Rev. Chad Slater, pastor of the Christ Episcopal Church in Bluefield, says their church will also not me opening its doors for services today.

“We are still not open for public worship and we probably won’t be for a few Sundays,” he said. “We want to make sure when we are able to come back that its a safe venue for those that feel that they can venture out.”

The 100-year-old church closed in March like other churches in response to the pandemic for the health and benefit of their members and the community.

On Easter Sunday, the church did hold a drive-in service for members.

“People could drive by and wave and receive a blessing at the church,” Slater said. “We just tried to make the best out of an unusual Easter.”

Along with the Easter drive-in service, the church has held worship services and Bible studies online.

More here-

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/local-w-va-churches-funeral-homes-take-pandemic-precautions/article_381de4e6-9256-11ea-bde4-1b240a85fe42.html

Catholic, Episcopal Churches Are Suspending Services

From West Virginia-

Leaders of both the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches in West Virginia have taken the “unprecedented” step to suspend services due to concerns over the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, Episcopal bishop of West Virginia, said his church was “struggling with the same issues” and discussed the situation with Brennan. It was after learning that Gov. Jim Justice had closed schools in the state’s 55 counties that they agreed the right choice was for both religious organizations to suspend services because of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

More
here-

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2020/03/catholic-episcopal-churches-are-suspending-services/

Two Churches in Bluefield celebrate 100 years of friendship

From West Virginia-

On Christmas Day in 1919, the Christ Episcopal Church burnt down leaving congregation members without a place to worship. 

People of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bluefield, WV, invited Christ Church members to share in their services for the following year and a half.

Bishop Reverend Robert F. Humphrey, of the Virginia Synod ELC, said he was grateful that he was able to be present for the anniversary. 

“It really is a remarkable celebration,” Rev. Humphrey said. “One absolutely worth noting and being present for.”

A whole century later, the two congregations shared yet another service, celebrating their long lasting friendship. 

Bishop Mike Klusmeyer of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia and Reverend Chad Slater said watching people come together on Dec. 29, 2019, was powerful. 

More here-

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/congregation-members-in-bluefield-celebrate-100-years-of-friendship/ 

and here-

https://wvva.com/2019/12/29/bluefield-churches-celebrate-century-of-friendship/

Episcopal Bishop Calls for Election of Eventual Successor

From West Virginia-

The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, has called for the election of a bishop coadjutor to be his eventual successor.

Klusmeyer made his announcement Saturday during the 142nd annual diocesan convention, which was held at Oglebay Park.

A coadjutor holds the right of succession to become head of a diocese upon the diocesan bishop’s retirement.

Klusmeyer, 63, has not set a date for his retirement. He will retain ecclesiastical authority within the diocese until he steps down. 

“I am not announcing my retirement, please know that. Calling for a coadjutor is a statement that I’m planning to retire,” he told clergy and lay delegates at the convention.

More here-

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2019/10/episcopal-bishop-calls-for-election-of-eventual-successor/

Seitz Named Canon of Episcopal Diocese

From West Virginia-

The Rev. Mark E. Seitz, rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wheeling, has been named canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia.

A canon to the ordinary serves as an assistant to a diocesan bishop. 

“I am happy to welcome Father Mark aboard,” said the Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia. “He brings tremendous gifts to our diocese. We are blessed to have him accept this call to serve our church in this capacity.”

Seitz has served as rector of St. Matthew’s since 1995. He has served a total of 36 years in parish ministry.

“It has been anw honor to be in Wheeling,” Seitz said. “My dad served in the diocese as rector of several parishes; I grew up here in West Virginia and have served here at St. Matthew’s for 24 years. 

More here-

 http://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2019/06/seitz-named-canon-of-episcopal-diocese/

W. Michie Klusmeyer: Seeing God's love in everyone includes LGBTQ

From West Virginia-

At a time when divisiveness and anger seem to be prevalent in our state and nation, it is now that we need to look for God in the faces of our friends, co-workers, family and even those with whom we disagree. We must recognize we are all God’s children and, therefore, kindness, respect and love must prevail.

This behavior must be encouraged and modeled by our elected officials when it comes to the LBGTQ community. Each person is created by God, for the Kingdom of God, and nothing we can say or do will remove us from the love of God. This is why the nondiscrimination bill in the state Legislature is needed.

While the discussion of human sexuality continues to consume many people’s conversations — and many disagree with various acts, nowhere in the Gospel of Jesus Christ are we allowed to remove the God-givenness of any individual or group of people.

More here-

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/gazette_opinion/op_ed_commentaries/w-michie-klusmeyer-seeing-god-s-love-in-everyone-includes/article_816c30f3-b4a7-59e3-85bc-03b497c9495b.html

‘Never in hate or fear’: Bluefield Ministerial Association, former Del. denounce Porterfield’s comments

From West Virginia-

The Bluefield Ministerial Association and a former county delegate have taken a stand against some comments made by Del. Eric Porterfield (R-Mercer County) regarding the LGBTQ community.

Rev. Chad Slater with Christ Episcopal Church said in a statement from the association that its members “are grieved by the recent comments made by Delegate Eric Porterfield,” who “professes to be a man of faith.”

“As religious leaders we feel compelled to point out that many of Mr. Porterfield’s recent statements do not reflect the values or sentiments of the entire faith community; rather, he has spoken only for himself,” the statement said. “While we may not all agree on issues pertaining to our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or queer brothers and sisters we should all agree on the inherent worth of all human beings.

“Scripture is clear that all people are made in the image of God, a marvelous truth that places immense value and dignity on every single person. This certainly includes the LGBTQ community, and it includes Delegate Porterfield himself.”

More here-

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/never-in-hate-or-fear-bluefield-ministerial-association-former-del/article_94abe028-3000-11e9-a0c5-6fbde2c7f6b5.html

Ex-St. George’s chaplain Howard White charged with child sex abuse in N.C.

From Rhode Island-

White, 76, who was stripped of his Episcopal priesthood last fall and is behind bars in Massachusetts for raping a prep school student in the 1970s, faces nine counts alleging various sexual abuse of a juvenile boy and a girl back in the 1980s, while he worked at Grace Church in the Mountains, in Waynesville, North Carolina.

Howard W. White Jr., the former associate chaplain at St. George’s School, in Middletown, now behind bars in Massachusetts for raping a prep school student in the 1970s, is facing numerous similar charges in North Carolina.

White, 76, who was stripped of his Episcopal priesthood last fall, faces nine counts alleging various sexual abuse of a juvenile boy and a girl back in the 1980s while he worked at Grace Church in the Mountains, in Waynesville, North Carolina.

More here-

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180418/ex-st-georges-chaplain-howard-white-charged-with-child-sex-abuse-in-nc

An abuse of trust White hid behind his charm

From North Carolina-

Howard White is now seen by some as a wolf in sheep's clothing, the devil in a white robe.

But between 1984 and 2006, many in Haywood County only saw the former Episcopal priest as the beloved rector of Waynesville's Grace Church in the Mountains.

Since then, much has changed for White, 76, who has been convicted of child sexual abuse in New England, and now faces abuse charges in Haywood County dating back to 1985.

White, who preferred the affectionate, disarming nickname "Howdy," has been indicted by a Haywood County Grand Jury on charges that he abused one boy and one girl during his time in Haywood.

More here-

https://www.themountaineer.com/news/an-abuse-of-trust/article_36fd9526-4185-11e8-8def-ef7715b0666a.html

Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer: Episcopal bishops back steps against gun violence

From West Virginia-

As the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, I participated in the gathering of the House of Bishops earlier this month in Texas. The assembly of bishops from across the United States and beyond came upon the heels of the school shootings in Florida and before the shootings this week in Maryland.

As we met, our conversation turned to the frequency of school shootings and gun violence. As spiritual leaders, we discussed the crisis our country is in and the urgency to address things - now.

As others - including our country's youth - have said, our country must change its laws to prevent gun violence and to save lives. We recognize this is not the world God created. It is not a world of love, hope and grace.

Our faith and belief in God's word led us to unanimously accept the following statement on gun violence:

More here-

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinion/rt-rev-w-michie-klusmeyer-episcopal-bishops-back-steps-against/article_94629a46-eecc-5363-9c00-8864ccd7cf2f.html

West Virginia church pays off families’ toy layaway bills, receives praise from White House

From West Virginia-

An Episcopal church’s century-old tradition of playing secret Santa for West Virginia children has received national recognition, including a mention this week by the White House.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wheeling, West Virginia, made local headlines after it paid the Walmart layaway balances on toys for several families in its community. The congregation had intended to remain anonymous, but word got out after news of the donations spread on social media.

“It’s just such a blessing and I don’t know if words can really describe how grateful we are and so very happy that someone would do something like this,” Nathan Robinson, whose family was one of those benefiting from the layaway payoffs, told WTRF-TV.

The Rev. Mark Seitz, rector at St. Matthew’s, said the tradition is rooted in the grief of a local family who lost a daughter to illness more than 100 years ago. They gave the church an endowment in their daughter’s memory to be used each year to brighten the season for families in need.

More here-

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/article/west-virginia-church-pays-families-toy-layaway-bills-receives-praise-white-house

W.Va. bishop encourages churches to carry naloxone

From West Virginia-

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia wants churches to start carrying the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone.

“We just need to be prepared and be available in the community,” said Bishop Mike Klusmeyer.

Klusmeyer said the drug problem is present everywhere including West Virginia’s congregations.

“The reality is there are drug addicts in our congregations,” he said. “The church is not immune from sociable norms, so there are already people who are sitting in our pews who are suffering, but this is a larger issue and it’s an issue for the community at large.”

Klusmeyer pitched the idea last month at the Episcopal Church’s annual convention in Charleston.

Naloxone, also referred to by its brand name Narcan, is now being used by law enforcement agencies, schools and other organizations across the state. Klusmeyer is hoping the Episcopal Diocese, which includes 67 congregations in West Virginia, can jump on board.

More here-

http://wvmetronews.com/2017/11/06/w-va-bishop-encourages-churches-to-carry-naloxone/

Sex offender’s fate in limbo: Judge receives report to determine classification for transgender, former youth pastor facing prison

From West Virginia-

A diagnostic evaluation was completed recently for a former youth pastor and admitted transgender sex offender who is facing a prison term after pleading guilty last year to sexual abuse first degree.

James Lilly, 25, of Bluefield pleaded guilty in August 2016 in Mercer County Circuit Court to three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. Raleigh County Judge John A. Hutchinson, who was assigned to the case after Mercer County Judge Derek Swope recused himself, delayed Lilly’s sentencing on Dec. 21, 2016 and remanded him to the state Department of Corrections so a diagnostic study could be completed with regard to how he would be classified as an inmate.

Lilly was arrested Jan. 12, 2016 and indicted in February that same year on 28 counts of sexual abuse in the first degree as well as charges of sexual assault third degree and incest.

More here-

http://www.bdtonline.com/news/sex-offender-s-fate-in-limbo-judge-receives-report-to/article_633180d4-2896-11e7-b554-430d857153cf.html

Refugees’ WV resettlement OK’d by State Dept.

From West Virginia-

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, director at Episcopal Migration Ministries, announced that the West Virginia Interfaith Refugee Ministry had been approved to join its network of 30 refugee resettlement sites throughout the country.

“It is particularly heart-warming to me that this important step in the process of welcoming refugees comes as it does on the cusp of the commemoration and celebration of the birth of Jesus,” he said, “for, as Scripture tells us, it was not long afterwards that he himself became a refugee.”

Episcopal Migration Ministries, one of nine national refugee resettlement agencies that work with the federal government and local groups to place refugees, and local volunteers have been working together in hopes of establishing a resettlement community in Charleston, making the city a safe haven for people who have had to flee their homes because of war, persecution or other violence.

In the ministry’s “resettlement communities,” local organizers assist refugees with finding health care and work, translation and other services.

- See more at:

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-politics/20161221/refugees-wv-resettlement-okd-by-state-dept#sthash.cvqIR9Rm.dpuf

Ministry applies to establish refugee resettlement community in Charleston

From West Virginia-

A national refugee resettlement agency has submitted an application to the U.S. Department of State to turn Charleston into one of its “resettlement communities.”

Episcopal Migration Ministries, one of nine national refugee resettlement agencies that works with the U.S. government and local groups to place refugees, and the West Virginia Interfaith Refugee Ministry have been working together in hopes of making Charleston a safe haven for refugees.

The West Virginia Interfaith Refugee Ministry aims to create greater understanding of the Muslim community and the plight of refugees, including those fleeing Syria, where millions have been displaced and hundreds of thousands have been killed.

- See more at:

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20161105/ministry-applies-to-establish-refugee-resettlement-community-in-charleston-#sthash.ySbw2Ubr.dpuf

Former WV priest named in school’s report of sexual abuse

From West Virginia-

A former Episcopal priest from West Virginia was among those named in a report this week that described how an elite New England boarding school became a kind of “private hell” for dozens of students who were sexually abused in the 1970s and 1980s.

The students at St. George’s in Middletown, Rhode Island, were manipulated and abused by faculty and staff, according to a report issued Thursday by an independent investigator, Boston lawyer Martin Murphy. He was hired by the school and the survivors’ group SGS for Healing.

The most prolific offender was athletic trainer Al Gibbs, who abused at least 31 girls, the report said. Gibbs was fired in 1980 after being caught taking photographs of a naked girl in his office, but the report found that he was paid a $1,200 annual grant for “distinguished service” that continued until he died in 1996. The school acknowledged in December that he abused 17 students.
- See more at:

http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-education/20160902/former-wv-priest-named-in-schools-report-of-sexual-abuse

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church program ends first year on high note

From West Virginia-

After eight weeks, a group committed to provide positive reinforcement to area children ended its first year on a high note with plans to expand the program in 2017, its second year.

In June, two groups - the Neighbors group in the Parkersburg City Council Fourth District and the Friends of Parkersburg's Parks - launched the Neighborhood Youth Academy at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church at 903 Charles St. in Parkersburg.

For the past eight weeks, the children have seen presentations by firefighters, police officers, EMTs, nurses, people from the U.S. military and even beekeepers and bicycle mechanics as to what kinds of careers they could possibly look to in the future, said the Rev. Marjorie Bevans, rector of Good Shepherd.

More here-

http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/630754/Good-Shepherd-Episcopal-Church-program-ends-first-year-on-high-note.html?nav=5061

Episcopalians join together to help neighbors in flooded West Virginia

From ENS-

Episcopalians in the Diocese of West Virginia are helping their neighbors as the southeastern part of the state cleans up after last week’s devastating floods killed 23 people and damaged thousands of homes and businesses.

Fifteen of the state’s 23 deaths occurred in Greenbrier County. The two Episcopal churches in the county, St. James’ Episcopal Church in Lewisburg and St. Thomas Episcopal Church in White Sulphur Springs are already responding to the disaster with support from other congregations in the diocese.

Episcopal Relief & Development is providing technical and financial assistance to the Diocese of West Virginia, and the support will enable the diocese to pay for motel rooms for people who are displaced and supply gift cards so that people can buy needed clothes and household items.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2016/06/29/episcopalians-join-together-to-help-neighbors-in-flooded-west-virginia/

How One Episcopal Priest and His Congregation Have Been Quietly Breathing New Life into a Traditional Church

From West Virginia-

 For decades, America’s mainline religious denominations have battled dramatic declines in membership, financial support, and just about every other standard measure of what makes a church successful. (After peaking in the 1950’s, mainline church denomination membership in the U.S. has declined by nearly 33% percent, to 21 million from 31 million.)

But don’t tell that to The Very Rev. Dr. Chip Graves, Rector of Huntington, WV-based Trinity Episcopal Church. He adores his congregation and  their love for Christ.

More here-

http://www.huntingtonnews.net/132599

Technology updates pipe organs, but not without controversy

From Boston-

 Doug Marshall wasn’t thrilled with what he heard.

Seated at a makeshift desk at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the organ maker ascended the keys of a plastic keyboard he’d propped on a pew to his side. A laptop glowed before him. But the real object of his attention stood by the altar: Opus 10, his newly minted digital organ with four keyboards, a gleaming shell of burnished wood, and the full sonic force, filigree, and thunder of 9,000 pipes — all without a pipe to be found.

Along with his business partner, David Ogletree, Marshall had been at work on the instrument for more than a year, their crew soldering components, wiring circuitry, and fine-tuning software. All told, the organ boasted more than 6 miles of wire, 72 speakers, and 18,000 watts of power. Now, as Marshall sat in St. Matthew’s 19th-century nave, their work was nearing completion: Opus 10 (the 10th instrument they’ve built together) would finally — finally! — receive its voice.

More here-

https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2015/10/03/needhamorgans/bCve3SZd9fa4mBmxaInyJI/story.html